Putting the 43 inch front end in the BCXRS is an absolute slam dunk! And who doesn't love a little turbo action under the hood?! Definitely agree on the 4 piston brake. After running it on our MXZ's its night and day from the old brake. Oh well.. they gotta leave something for us to look forward to for 2026! Great video as always Luke! Looking forward to the rest of the videos on the 2025s! - Jesse
2025’s already! Hard to believe! I remember when the 95’s were released! Hoping Polaris has something special coming for their 70th Anniversary!!! Thanks for bringing us the 25’s Snowtrax!
Offering such a variety of snowmobiles is so impressive. Personally I like my backcountry with the narrow front end because I don't go on trails. But this thing looks like a beast with the 2" lugs
These snowmobiles are so very impressive! (And all I can do is admire from afar.) (My right shoulder replacement surgery is April 3. I'll skip next season's snowmobiling, but should be good to go the season after.)
Hi Luke, great video. Do you think this sled would handle ok in 3 to 4 feet of powder with that track and the 43" front end? I am stuck between this sled or the Lynx Xterrain. I want to snowcheck a 2026 in March. I will be riding trails and oof trail areas plus old logging and mining roads which could have 4 feet of powder.
@@trevortank7965 yeah the colors and graphics for 2025 suck if I’m honest. I don’t mind the black and yellow, but the use of it and shades are mostly ugly this year.
@Luke I disagree with you that the only competitor is the switchback assault.. you forgot the Lynx Xterrain 146. I think you need a 50/50 shootout Backcountry vs Assault vs Xterrain
Direct competitor for the Xterrain Re, it would be nice to see how they compare now with both 146 track and wide front end. Never had considered a BC before!
If you were to purchase the wide stance for mostly trail riding but do a few off trail trips can you purchase the narrow arms and change them out? Need separate front suspension? They should develop some sort of quick change system. That would be 😎
Its like an assault. It will work really well off trail, just not AS well as the 39 inch setup. IMO, if your not a mountain guy, you will definitely be able to hold your own with the traiil width front end. I think its only the guys who ride off trail ALOT that should be on the narrow setup. The trade off with the wide front end will be a better compromise for most riders.
I think in another video Luke said his favorite ski doo sled for MY25 was the N/A 850 mxz xrs. I’m trying to decide between that sled and the trail width N/A 850 backcountry xrs for next year. Obviously the backcountry has the advantage off trail, but on trail how did they compare? Why did you prefer the mxz over the BC in general and what stood out to you since you got to ride them both? I’ve always enjoyed the content guys, you do a great job thanks a lot!
I use to agree but I’ve been trail riding that size since 2020 and no issues. With the exception of this year most seasons provide lots of both. nothing worse than trenching all over town on a 146.
Do you think the new Doos with RAS RS front end will finally be better than the Polaris front end? So then Doo will have the best front and rear end in the business.
Ummm if you watch the video Luke explains all the geometrical changes to the front suspension. Typically that results in a better handling sled year to year. Ya new to the sport?
@@pajamatime5750 I’ve ridden snowmobiles for 40 years Pal!! I was just asking if the shock package was so great on the 2024 why did they not continue using them on the 2025’s? Know need for your cocky response!
I said that sled was the best handling SKIDOO ive ever ridden, not that it was as good as it SHOULD be. Now this one is the best ive ever ridden and handles far more like most people think it should. The all new front end in 2025 makes a HUGE difference.
@@nsa6790 What do you mean "seriously"? This is the same strategy Polaris uses to great success in the Assault. And you can still get the narrow front end if you want. Seriously.
@@bigmurph1447 summit has different clutching, longer paddles, tippier suspension, no windshield, no snow flap, and a different body style. That’s not the solution to the 50/50 market.
@@CDX7and if I wanted exactly what Polaris does I’d buy a Polaris but I don’t hate myself so I buy ski doo. The not mountain sled but also not trail sled width worked fine and I hope they are keeping it as the default option that you don’t have to pay more for. As for the track that has got to be the stupidest shit I’ve seen. This sled is meant to slay powder but we are only gonna give it a 1.5” paddle and only on half the track. 1.5” is a trail paddle through and through. 2” is a off trail paddle. The 1.6”-1.85” market is the tracks they should be putting on these things.
The front end is better because the upper control arms are more flat than previous years. Not sure if it's new arms or different arm mount position or taller spindles. I suggested before they flatten the upper arms by using Taller Spindles and also lowering the front stance some. The front end is now more like the Catalyst and Matrix front ends. The new Ski looks just like the Kimpex Rush Model with an SLP Powder Pro bottom.
The upper control arms being flatter is NOT what makes it better. They are flatter as a result of a bunch of geometrical changes to the whole front end. The upper arms are flatter as a RESULT of these changes. Not the other way around. The front end actually sits HIGHER than last years setup but because it has a higher roll centre, it handles way flatter in the corners. The new ski is a very different design than anything ive seen up close.
I think the evaluation of 50/50, 60/40, 70/30 largely depends on personal bias (ie. what do you enjoy/value the most). To me a TRUE 50/50 would be the 39-38 ski with similar trail handling as you say this one is. I will be the first to admit a lot can be done with wide ski stance off-trail. We often think we need narrow, but we don't (unless you're crazy and literally squeaking between trees all the time). I value the physics of narrow front end over a wide, so I think this machine (specifically with the storm) is more 70/30. With a 2" track it's more 60/40. But don't let the numbers fool you...I'm sure it does whatever it does darn good. Either way Doo is getting closer to everyone's perfect crossover 😀
I look at it like this... is it as good on trail as it is off trail? If its better off trail than it is on trail, its not 50/50. Which is true with the 39 inch front end. Its way better off trail than it is on trail. I believe the off trail compromise of the 43 inch front end is less than the benefit of the on trail handling it provides. You are right though about the on/off trail percentage being somewhat subjective. Still, I think the BCX with the 43 front end is more 50/50 than the 39 front end.
Ive been riding our 1.325 equipped assault off trail. Its not as good as a 2 inch. But it still works. Just requires more momentum and skill to get where your going.
Makes me want to go click off a hundred miles, and I'm a mountain rider. Really loved the detailed explanation of the front suspension and ski changes. Such a cool track too! So many unexpected details. As far as who should buy these, I would never recommend a Backcountry or other crossover if you only ride in the mountains, even if it's mostly trail riding. For me a mountain-ready crossover has a 2.5" lug, is light as possible, and has the narrowest ski stance possible - a Summit 146 or 154 2.5". No matter what, I want to be ready for big powder. I may need to sidehill to get across a blown-in section of road. Mountain trails get crazy. I have the Summit 165 for dedicated powder riding and the Summit 154 for crossover and exploring trails.
I would say that these "crossover" sleds arent meant for mountains at all. They are "off trail" sleds. Meaning lower elevation, less aggressive terrain than true mountains.
Funny cause when they launch the RAS X everyone ways saying, omg no more ski lift. And now the new RAS XR and still the WOW shocking no more ski lift!. WTF?
The RAS X was a big improvment. But we have still said over and over that it DOES lift the inside ski, unpredictably, alot. I tried to MAKE this front end lift the inside ski and I couldnt. I really need to test it more to know for sure. But in the bit of testing we did do, on rough, twisty trails, Im VERY impressed.
Lol... higher ROLL centre. But, it does also effect centre of gravity. And yes, my brain has trouble with it too. But its physics. Cant agrue with the universe. Lol.
You guys are not crossover riders. We like the narrow front end so we can carve. Wide front end is fine for trail but not good for playing in snow. 154 narrow front end for the win.
Actually YOUR not a cross over rider. Anyone who actually enjoys spending time on the trail would NEVER say 154 narrow front end is a crossover. Crossover means AS good ON trail as it is OFF trail. It does BOTH well. Gotta have a wide front end to be good on teh trail.
I can't stand carving even in a flat field with a wide front end! That's where you lost me at 50/50. The narrow front end when set up well with correct carbides like a bergstrum, really isn't all that bad. I'm not saying its as good as the trail front end, but the penalty for having the narrow front end on trail is way less then the penalty trying to side hill with a wide front end off trail... Add in the fact that you can use the adjustable skis adapters from doo to go from wide narrow to narrow narrow and you've got a very nice option A trail, option B off trail. For what it's worth I do have a trail sled as well and the problem is when you get to a perfect spot in the middle of nowhere on your trail sled and it's an off trail gold mine you try and have a little fun with your trail sled in deeper snow and it doesn't turn and trenches bad. So 50/50 is more like 70/30 in favor of trail with the new option and a 146. I get it your from Ontario and I've grown up riding in Haliburton. We use to have a place in Canarvon 12 mile lake area. You never have enough snow to really say your going off trail. I'm now a resident of NB last 18 years and we have a very different situation with amount of snow and the access to play off the beaten path. I've enjoyed the banter... I always enjoy your videos and reviews, but I think your idea of what 50/50 is for your area and mine don't necessarily line up and that's ok.@@pavmentsurfer13
"high end" XRS with Pro 36 front shocks...what a joke! This sled will be in the $25K range and those are the garbage shocks they put on? Dear BRP, at least use a Pro 40 with rebound adjusters. People will think you at least care a little bit about them.
Putting the 43 inch front end in the BCXRS is an absolute slam dunk! And who doesn't love a little turbo action under the hood?! Definitely agree on the 4 piston brake. After running it on our MXZ's its night and day from the old brake. Oh well.. they gotta leave something for us to look forward to for 2026! Great video as always Luke! Looking forward to the rest of the videos on the 2025s! - Jesse
2025’s already! Hard to believe! I remember when the 95’s were released! Hoping Polaris has something special coming for their 70th Anniversary!!! Thanks for bringing us the 25’s Snowtrax!
I love the 150 Storm track! I replaced my 1.25" Ripsaw 2 track a couple of years ago, best mod I have ever done !
Awesome track!! Love mine & studded to boot
Offering such a variety of snowmobiles is so impressive. Personally I like my backcountry with the narrow front end because I don't go on trails. But this thing looks like a beast with the 2" lugs
Don't forget the lynx xterrain is a 146 with a full trail width ski stance.
That is true. I forgot about that one.
I came to say the same thing. And it’s a hell of a sled, can’t wait to try it with the 850 Turbo this year.
Should be a great sled for the 4 weeks a winter you can ride it !
4 weeks .... How about no weeks!
This front end is why doo has DOMINATED sno cross last 10 plus yrs. WOW
Nice trail machine
Top notch review, thank you😎
These snowmobiles are so very impressive!
(And all I can do is admire from afar.)
(My right shoulder replacement surgery is April 3. I'll skip next season's snowmobiling, but should be good to go the season after.)
Does it have the rack steering setup?
I ended up putting a 1.5 Ice Storm on my 24 Assault Boost. The demo I had last season had the 1.35 cobra and it just didn’t hook up enough.
Skidoo for the win !!!! AGAIN !!!!!
Beautiful sled just wish it had the summit and freeride headlight look
I do think that light setup looks cool. But it doesnt offer as much light coverage. But it definitley looks mean.
Colors!! The mountain sleds get new fresh colors every year! Same old black and yellow on the trail models! Cmon skidoo!!
the Backcountry isnt the same yellow your used to. Its way different.
My brain was screaming "DOES THIS HAVE SHOT???" Glad I watched to the end, lol!
Ordered mine with Shot.
Wife's with Battery start.
Hi Luke, great video. Do you think this sled would handle ok in 3 to 4 feet of powder with that track and the 43" front end? I am stuck between this sled or the Lynx Xterrain. I want to snowcheck a 2026 in March. I will be riding trails and oof trail areas plus old logging and mining roads which could have 4 feet of powder.
Hope it comes in blue! This is my next sled!
couldn't agree more, now who is gonna get it first?
@@Zinxedput that inheritance to some good use
Gotta ask the woman if she can fund your hobbies
Only sled in blue is the summit for 2025 every sled is yellow or black. Backcountry x will have a grey option.
@@trevortank7965 yeah the colors and graphics for 2025 suck if I’m honest. I don’t mind the black and yellow, but the use of it and shades are mostly ugly this year.
@Luke I disagree with you that the only competitor is the switchback assault.. you forgot the Lynx Xterrain 146.
I think you need a 50/50 shootout
Backcountry vs Assault vs Xterrain
Might as well throw the Xterrain 900r in there too because you know there’s lots of guys that are asking about it
Direct competitor for the Xterrain Re, it would be nice to see how they compare now with both 146 track and wide front end. Never had considered a BC before!
Well, BRP is directly competing with itself in this case. More like more options. Do you want a Corvette or a Ferrari?
Amazing sled
Now the question is can I put the new front end on my 2024 BC XRS?
Lets hope they sell the new front end as a kit for us who want it for our old gen 5s
I think this is the best route especially that they have both ski stance!
If you were to purchase the wide stance for mostly trail riding but do a few off trail trips can you purchase the narrow arms and change them out? Need separate front suspension? They should develop some sort of quick change system. That would be 😎
Its like an assault. It will work really well off trail, just not AS well as the 39 inch setup. IMO, if your not a mountain guy, you will definitely be able to hold your own with the traiil width front end. I think its only the guys who ride off trail ALOT that should be on the narrow setup. The trade off with the wide front end will be a better compromise for most riders.
Should include the 4 piston break caliper
Yup, it should be on everything.
Does it steer easier?
New RAS RX front suspension and Pilot RX ski is make a huge difference. Front handling has improved significantly.
I think in another video Luke said his favorite ski doo sled for MY25 was the N/A 850 mxz xrs. I’m trying to decide between that sled and the trail width N/A 850 backcountry xrs for next year. Obviously the backcountry has the advantage off trail, but on trail how did they compare? Why did you prefer the mxz over the BC in general and what stood out to you since you got to ride them both? I’ve always enjoyed the content guys, you do a great job thanks a lot!
I use to agree but I’ve been trail riding that size since 2020 and no issues.
With the exception of this year most seasons provide lots of both. nothing worse than trenching all over town on a 146.
How would you compare the new ras rx to polaris’ and artic cat’s suspensions?
We'll have more accurate impressions for a comparison in the next week or so. Stay tuned...
Cool.❤❤❤❤❤ It
Does this come with a 900 ace?
Getting back 😔 int😢 Sleds next Year.Window Shopping.Lol.❤❤❤
Never mind, THIS is my dream sled now.
It comes in different colors right?
I don’t care if it doesn’t, because at least we finally have it now!
Do you think the new Doos with RAS RS front end will finally be better than the Polaris front end? So then Doo will have the best front and rear end in the business.
Cant say until we ride them back to back. Thats the only way to truly know which is better.
Can u get this chassis in a 600r sled of any kind
No. Its 850 or 850 turbo only.
just got off phone with my dealer they said i can get the 600r in the new chassis n skis. ? @@pavmentsurfer13
I thought you said that the new 2024 850 turbo was the best handling sled you ever rode due to the 40 shocks on the front? Now this sled is better??
Yes that’s normally how it works when u redo the woke suspension it’s better then the year before
Ummm if you watch the video Luke explains all the geometrical changes to the front suspension. Typically that results in a better handling sled year to year. Ya new to the sport?
@@pajamatime5750 I’ve ridden snowmobiles for 40 years Pal!! I was just asking if the shock package was so great on the 2024 why did they not continue using them on the 2025’s? Know need for your cocky response!
I said that sled was the best handling SKIDOO ive ever ridden, not that it was as good as it SHOULD be. Now this one is the best ive ever ridden and handles far more like most people think it should. The all new front end in 2025 makes a HUGE difference.
Now they just need to put the 900r in it
The lower A arms should be curved, like on my Defender xmr. It would help with hitting stumps when playing on the cut overs in the fresh powder.
So the new front suspension with taller spindles so now more like Arctic Cat's :-) Polaris did the same thing a few years ago!
Its taller spindles and wider spacing. Yes. So the overall design concept is similar to the others.
In my opinion this is getting away from a backcountry and more of just a renegade
I agree. Wider front end + short lug track? Like seriously ski doo?
@@nsa6790 What do you mean "seriously"? This is the same strategy Polaris uses to great success in the Assault. And you can still get the narrow front end if you want. Seriously.
Buy a summit they only make 15 different ones
@@bigmurph1447 summit has different clutching, longer paddles, tippier suspension, no windshield, no snow flap, and a different body style. That’s not the solution to the 50/50 market.
@@CDX7and if I wanted exactly what Polaris does I’d buy a Polaris but I don’t hate myself so I buy ski doo. The not mountain sled but also not trail sled width worked fine and I hope they are keeping it as the default option that you don’t have to pay more for. As for the track that has got to be the stupidest shit I’ve seen. This sled is meant to slay powder but we are only gonna give it a 1.5” paddle and only on half the track. 1.5” is a trail paddle through and through. 2” is a off trail paddle. The 1.6”-1.85” market is the tracks they should be putting on these things.
The front end is better because the upper control arms are more flat than previous years. Not sure if it's new arms or different arm mount position or taller spindles. I suggested before they flatten the upper arms by using Taller Spindles and also lowering the front stance some. The front end is now more like the Catalyst and Matrix front ends. The new Ski looks just like the Kimpex Rush Model with an SLP Powder Pro bottom.
The upper control arms being flatter is NOT what makes it better. They are flatter as a result of a bunch of geometrical changes to the whole front end. The upper arms are flatter as a RESULT of these changes. Not the other way around. The front end actually sits HIGHER than last years setup but because it has a higher roll centre, it handles way flatter in the corners. The new ski is a very different design than anything ive seen up close.
Give us the 137x2.25 set up again like the 2020 freeride
I think the evaluation of 50/50, 60/40, 70/30 largely depends on personal bias (ie. what do you enjoy/value the most). To me a TRUE 50/50 would be the 39-38 ski with similar trail handling as you say this one is. I will be the first to admit a lot can be done with wide ski stance off-trail. We often think we need narrow, but we don't (unless you're crazy and literally squeaking between trees all the time). I value the physics of narrow front end over a wide, so I think this machine (specifically with the storm) is more 70/30. With a 2" track it's more 60/40. But don't let the numbers fool you...I'm sure it does whatever it does darn good. Either way Doo is getting closer to everyone's perfect crossover 😀
I look at it like this... is it as good on trail as it is off trail? If its better off trail than it is on trail, its not 50/50. Which is true with the 39 inch front end. Its way better off trail than it is on trail. I believe the off trail compromise of the 43 inch front end is less than the benefit of the on trail handling it provides. You are right though about the on/off trail percentage being somewhat subjective. Still, I think the BCX with the 43 front end is more 50/50 than the 39 front end.
It is easier to steer with that longer arm attached to the steering rod. Good idea, brp. Can I retrofit that to my 2024 BC 😂😂😂
To bad they didn't put that new ski and suspension on the Renegade. I and many would have bought a new one.
needs a 2" track for a true crossover. not getting off trail much with that track
Narrow front version is available with deeper lug tracks.
Ive been riding our 1.325 equipped assault off trail. Its not as good as a 2 inch. But it still works. Just requires more momentum and skill to get where your going.
Here’s one of mine
Sounds like it want's to be a Renegade?
At one time it was...
Makes me want to go click off a hundred miles, and I'm a mountain rider. Really loved the detailed explanation of the front suspension and ski changes. Such a cool track too! So many unexpected details. As far as who should buy these, I would never recommend a Backcountry or other crossover if you only ride in the mountains, even if it's mostly trail riding. For me a mountain-ready crossover has a 2.5" lug, is light as possible, and has the narrowest ski stance possible - a Summit 146 or 154 2.5". No matter what, I want to be ready for big powder. I may need to sidehill to get across a blown-in section of road. Mountain trails get crazy. I have the Summit 165 for dedicated powder riding and the Summit 154 for crossover and exploring trails.
I would say that these "crossover" sleds arent meant for mountains at all. They are "off trail" sleds. Meaning lower elevation, less aggressive terrain than true mountains.
Funny cause when they launch the RAS X everyone ways saying, omg no more ski lift. And now the new RAS XR and still the WOW shocking no more ski lift!. WTF?
The RAS X was a big improvment. But we have still said over and over that it DOES lift the inside ski, unpredictably, alot. I tried to MAKE this front end lift the inside ski and I couldnt. I really need to test it more to know for sure. But in the bit of testing we did do, on rough, twisty trails, Im VERY impressed.
Nope! Lynx Xterrain has 43 front with 146
But the lynx xterrain is nothing like a backcountry kinda hard to compare when that sled is its own breed
yes, I know. I forgot about that one.
What's with the cheaped out brakes Skidoo !
They knew we wanted the premium brakes that SHOULD be part of an XRS package ... Dissatisfied.
More like a Polaris front end. How it should be.
My brain can’t comprehend how a higher center of gravity equals less body roll. Just doesn’t compute.
Lol... higher ROLL centre. But, it does also effect centre of gravity. And yes, my brain has trouble with it too. But its physics. Cant agrue with the universe. Lol.
You guys are not crossover riders. We like the narrow front end so we can carve.
Wide front end is fine for trail but not good for playing in snow.
154 narrow front end for the win.
A 154 narrow front end isnt a crossover either thats called a mountain sled.
Actually YOUR not a cross over rider. Anyone who actually enjoys spending time on the trail would NEVER say 154 narrow front end is a crossover. Crossover means AS good ON trail as it is OFF trail. It does BOTH well. Gotta have a wide front end to be good on teh trail.
I can't stand carving even in a flat field with a wide front end! That's where you lost me at 50/50.
The narrow front end when set up well with correct carbides like a bergstrum, really isn't all that bad. I'm not saying its as good as the trail front end, but the penalty for having the narrow front end on trail is way less then the penalty trying to side hill with a wide front end off trail...
Add in the fact that you can use the adjustable skis adapters from doo to go from wide narrow to narrow narrow and you've got a very nice option A trail, option B off trail.
For what it's worth I do have a trail sled as well and the problem is when you get to a perfect spot in the middle of nowhere on your trail sled and it's an off trail gold mine you try and have a little fun with your trail sled in deeper snow and it doesn't turn and trenches bad. So 50/50 is more like 70/30 in favor of trail with the new option and a 146.
I get it your from Ontario and I've grown up riding in Haliburton. We use to have a place in Canarvon 12 mile lake area. You never have enough snow to really say your going off trail. I'm now a resident of NB last 18 years and we have a very different situation with amount of snow and the access to play off the beaten path.
I've enjoyed the banter... I always enjoy your videos and reviews, but I think your idea of what 50/50 is for your area and mine don't necessarily line up and that's ok.@@pavmentsurfer13
"high end" XRS with Pro 36 front shocks...what a joke! This sled will be in the $25K range and those are the garbage shocks they put on? Dear BRP, at least use a Pro 40 with rebound adjusters. People will think you at least care a little bit about them.
Ok at almost $27.0000 ???????????????????????? Who is buying Not many
No snow no snowmobiling.
Yeah poor year in a lot of places. Where I’m from I wouldn’t have been able to drive once this year!
43" ski stance, and you skidoo calls it a backcountry?? Makes no sense. It's a trail sled with a longer track is all it is.
Is this just me or is this guy? Don't look the same as the original guy 🤔 question everything These days..
He's a clone oooooooooooo
Track is called a storm
Luckily I could read the screen when “storm 1.5” flashed on it!